How to keep your house cool this summer

When it comes to how to keep your house cool in the summer, the thought of cranking up the air conditioning and seeing your power bill skyrocket at the end of the season seems less than ideal.

Living in Australia means we’re often met with hot weather and sweltering days, and home is our refuge. But what are some other ways to keep your house cool that isn’t just turning on the AC at full blast? We’ve compiled a bit of a list to get you started.

Create natural shade

Start with the outdoors. Planting trees or vines around your home can provide natural shade while also creating a barrier from the sun’s intense rays – which in turn makes it cooler indoors.

Look at leafy, dense trees or fast-growing vines, and plant them strategically to shield your house from the sunlight.

Having a lot of greenery on your property also looks great, so it’s a win-win situation – a cooler home that also looks beautiful.

Choose engineered timber flooring

Engineered timber flooring is not just a statement of elegance and durability (although it is definitely that!).

It’s also a great solution you keeping your house cool. Unlike other flooring options that tend to retain heat, engineered timber naturally provides insulation and works to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature in your home.

Engineered timber is uniquely constructed with multiple layers of wood, which minimises heat conduction and prevents excessive heat buildup within the floor itself. This means that during those hot summer days, engineered timber flooring remains cool to the touch.

And in turn? Less reliance on air conditioning systems, lower energy costs, and a happier you.

Install blinds and curtains

You’ve probably already got blinds and curtains. But a lot of people underestimate the importance of having high-quality blinds and curtains. And if you’re still feeling the summer heat, it might mean you need an upgrade.

Look at getting light-reflecting blinds or thick curtains. If you want to really block out the sun, consider blackout curtains. Keep them drawn during peak sun hours to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable.

You can also get smart blinds that can be programmed to close during the hottest parts of the day for ease and convenience.

Insulate your walls and roof

Effective insulation of your walls and roof is paramount in preventing hot air from seeping in and cool air escaping. Make sure you have high-quality insulation materials that provide a robust barrier, keeping that outdoor heat at bay.

Proper insulation also means your cooling systems work more effectively, leading to lowered energy consumption and bills.

Seal windows and doors

uring your windows and doors are sealed properly is crucial in preventing warm air infiltrating and cool air escaping. Regularly check the seals for any damage and replace them immediately if needed. Consider double-glazed windows that provide additional insulation, keeping that unwanted heat outside where it belongs.

You can also get heat reducing film to put on your windows which can help keep your house a bit cooler during the day.

Open your windows at night

Take advantage of that natural ventilation and let that cool breeze come through your open window at night. The fresh air will circulate through your home, pushing out the stale, warm air, and help lower indoor temperatures, without using any energy at all. It’s simple, but effective!